Dealing with Household Mold
Prevent household mold from invading your home

If you need to clear an area of mold in your house, make sure to note the following basic precautions. Consider consulting a professional for areas larger than ten square feet.
As you handle moldy materials and cleaning solutions, be sure to wear gloves, a N-95 respirator, eye goggles, and dress in pants and long sleeves that can be easily removed in the work area and washed.
Use a respirator designed for particle removal to minimize exposure to mold and threat of inhaling spores. These respirators can be found in hardware stores. Be advised they will not protect you from fumes. Also, always make sure the house is well-ventilated as you clean.
You can begin by removing a small amount of mold to determine whether you will have a reaction to the cleaning products or mold. If you experience a health reaction, or if the house contains too much mold for you to handle on your own, hire an experienced professional to do the job. Hiring a professional is also a good idea if the mold is growing in an area of the house that is hard to access.
Hang plastic sheeting around the area you are going to clean to prevent the spores and mold-contaminated particles from going into other parts of your home. You can use polyethylene sheeting to cover ceiling to floor around the area with a slit entry. Maintain area under negative pressure using a HEPA fan unit. Finally, block air vents within the containment area.
Be sure to put moldy items, cleaning rags, and anything else that has come in contact with mold in plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags before throwing them away. Wash all clothes after you finish cleaning.
You can prevent future mold growth in your home by depriving mold of the three basic conditions it needs to thrive—moisture, warmth, and food. Take precautionary steps by cleaning and vacuuming regularly to remove all possible sources of mold growth. Pay special notice to areas such as the kitchen and bathroom that generate a lot of moisture. Consider using area rugs or washable floor surfaces rather than carpeting if certain rooms are prone to moisture. Remove all clothes, books, and paper from humid parts of your home.
You should also be sure to repair any water leaks in your windows, roof, or any other part of the house immediately. Be sure to clear gutters and downspouts of any debris that might impede the flow of water from your rooftop. The rainwater must always flow away from your foundation, so make sure your downspout areas are properly graded. Extend your downspouts if necessary. Always open windows or turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.